This month we celebrated Independence Day - 2024 is the United States of America's 248th birthday! Fireworks, cookouts, parades, good times with friends and family. We have much for which to be thankful, and every day we might even think of something we are thankful for during the course of our day. Good health. Precious family. Meaningful friendships. A great career and work team. The abundance of good meals we eat - both home-cooked and served to us at restaurants. Modern-day conveniences, such as laundry machines, dishwashers, and air conditioning. Even more basic things, like clean, running water, electricity, and fuel to warm our homes during the cold-weather months. I wonder how many of us, though, when we think of things that we're thankful for on any given day, would say "our nation's independence," or even our own personal independence? It's just one of those things that today we take for granted. However, if we could go back 248 years and ask people in this country what things they were thankful for, I bet many of them would say "independence." Think about it. ~~ To help gain insight, let's go back in time and take a look at what America's first dictionary, Webster's 1828 Dictionary of the English Language, says about independence: INDEPEND'ENCE, noun [in and dependence.] 1) A state of being not dependent; complete exemption from control, or the power of others; as the independence of the Supreme Being. 2) A state in which a person does not rely on others for subsistence; ability to support one's self. 3) A state of mind in which a person acts without bias or influence from others; exemption from undue influence; self-direction. independence of mind is an important qualification in a judge. Declaration of independence the solemn declaration of the Congress of the United States of America, on the 4th of July 1776, by which they formally renounced their subjection to the government of Great Britain. (source: webstersdictionary1828.com) When you compare that with today's version (by Merriam-Webster), which defines independence as "the quality or state of being independent," plus the archaic definition "a sufficiency of means for the necessities and conveniences of life," you can see that it was important in the early days of our country for the people to understand the intricacies of what independence meant and what its value was. ~~ What does independence mean to you? | In both our personal lives and the business world, one thing that helps us to gain and maintain our independence is educating ourselves and continuing our education as lifelong learners. I think that getting an education is not the hard part, because it's a given that children receive formal education from ages five through eighteen. The challenge lies in developing a love for learning: cultivating an appetite that makes us become lifelong learners. This is a choice and a discipline, as we pretty much have control over our decision-making and how we spend our time. | ~ ~ ~ Time, like money, is a currency. And it's much easier to spend our time sitting in front of the TV or surfing social media for hours on end rather than reading, taking a class to learn a new skill, obtaining a (new) certification, or working towards an MBA or other post-graduate degree. Being a lifelong learner doesn't have to mean sitting in a lecture hall listening to a professor and reading thick textbooks. It could mean taking hands-on vocational courses. We have so much to choose from in our country in this modern age. There's something for everyone, and many courses can be taken online -- some even for free! In this month's newsletter, we are featuring an article inline that explores themes and concepts from content by John O. Burdett, entitled, "Learning How to Learn: A Critical Skill for Executive Success." Keep in mind as you read it that learning how to learn is not just for executives and business; this is a skill that is accessible (and essential) to each one of us in our personal lives. It is reachable wherever you are in life's journey. Make sure to check out the article below and think about how you can apply it to your life, what learning you might be led to undertake at this time. Don't wait for the perfect time, just start where you are....now is the time and you're not guaranteed anything beyond today! | | North American Director of Quality (Automotive) | This candidate has had a stellar record of achievement with a world class, Tier One Automotive systems supplier. He has improved quality metrics and processes across the board. His leadership has led to multiple "supplier of the year" awards with several OEMs, and he has helped to build the North American capabilities for advanced quality, customer quality, manufacturing and problem solving science. Interested in setting up a confidential conversation with this candidate? Call us at 313-887-8300 ex.102 or email us at information@tieronesearch.com. | | Global Key Account Manager | Our client is a global organization which produces critical components to the automotive industry. The position offers a rewarding career path with unlimited growth potential. In this role you will drive growth and profitability within the company's largest Tier One automotive customer. This is a highly visible position and the account represents a sizable percentage of the company's global revenues. We require a hands-on leader who can influence resources and cross-functional teams globally to service this important customer. Ideally you will have a technical background with a history of commercial success in the automotive manufacturing industry. Is This You?? If so, and you'd like to learn more about this position, call us at 313-887-8300 ex.102 or email us: information@tieronesearch.com. | With 60 Offices in 40 countries around the globe, TRANSEARCH is one of the top 10 global firms in the leadership development and executive search landscape. | published June 17, 2024 by Transearch International ----- “Learning how to learn contributes significantly to personal growth and fulfilment.” | In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, the ability to learn efficiently and effectively has become a cornerstone of successful leadership. For senior executives, mastering the skill of “learning how to learn” is essential. The development of skills and strategies that enable us to effectively acquire, process, and retain new information involves understanding one’s own learning preferences, utilising effective study techniques, reflecting on experiences, seeking feedback, and leveraging technology for learning. It’s about mastering the meta-cognitive skills required to become an efficient and self-directed learner. “Learning how to learn” influences personal growth, enhances decision-making, and fosters organisational innovation, ultimately leading to sustained success. | ---- Adaptability in a Changing Environment Executives operate in dynamic environments where new technologies, market trends, and business models continuously emerge. Being adept at learning how to learn equips executives with the ability to quickly adapt to these changes, ensuring their organisations remain competitive and relevant. This adaptability allows leaders to not only keep pace with industry advancements but also anticipate and leverage new opportunities, positioning their organisations at the forefront of innovation. Learning how to learn fosters an agile mindset, essential for navigating the uncertainties of today’s business world. Executives who embrace continuous learning can pivot strategies swiftly in response to market shifts, minimising disruptions and capitalising on emerging trends. This agility is a significant competitive advantage, enabling organisations to thrive amidst constant change. Improved Decision-Making Effective learning strategies empower executives to gather, process, and analyse information more efficiently, leading to more informed and better decisions. In high-stakes scenarios, the ability to synthesise complex data from diverse sources and discern critical insights is invaluable. Continuous learning enables executives to understand multifaceted problems from various perspectives, enhancing their problem-solving capabilities and decision-making precision. Learning how to learn helps executives stay abreast of the latest industry developments and best practices. This knowledge base supports sound strategic planning and execution, reducing the likelihood of costly mistakes. By continuously updating their knowledge and skills, executives can make well-informed decisions that drive organisational success and resilience. | Fostering Innovation Promoting a culture of curiosity and continuous improvement is integral to fostering innovation within an organisation. Executives who prioritise learning can inspire their teams to explore new ideas and challenge the status quo. By modelling a commitment to learning, leaders create an environment where creative problem-solving and experimentation are encouraged, leading to breakthrough innovations. Learning how to learn enables executives to identify and implement cutting-edge solutions and practices. This proactive approach to innovation ensures that organisations not only keep up with but also set industry trends. Executives who continuously seek out new knowledge and perspectives are better positioned to lead their teams in developing innovative products, services, and processes that drive growth and competitive advantage. Leadership Development Executives who excel at learning can set a powerful example for their teams, fostering a culture of continuous personal and professional development. By demonstrating a commitment to their own growth, leaders can cultivate future leaders who are adaptable, knowledgeable, and capable. This commitment to learning ensures that the organisation has a pipeline of skilled leaders ready to take on new challenges and opportunities. Understanding effective learning strategies allows executives to better mentor and develop their teams. By sharing their knowledge and providing guidance on how to learn efficiently, executives can enhance their team’s capabilities and performance. This collaborative approach to learning builds a strong foundation for organisational success, as well-prepared leaders are crucial for navigating the complexities of today’s business environment. Enhanced Resilience Organisations often face unexpected challenges, and executives proficient in learning how to learn are better equipped to navigate these crises. By quickly acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge, these leaders can manage difficult situations effectively, turning potential threats into opportunities. This resilience is crucial for sustaining organisational success in the face of adversity. Continuous learning fosters a growth mindset, enabling executives to view challenges as opportunities for development. This perspective not only enhances their problem-solving abilities but also builds a culture of resilience within the organisation. Teams led by resilient executives are more likely to persevere through challenges, innovate under pressure, and emerge stronger from crises. |  Click image to learn more about Deming, the “father of the third wave of the industrial revolution.” | | Building a Learning Organisation Executives play a critical role in shaping organisational culture, and by prioritising learning, they can build a learning organisation where continuous improvement and knowledge sharing are embedded in the company’s DNA. This commitment to learning leads to higher employee engagement, better performance, and sustained competitive advantage. A learning organisation is well-positioned to adapt to changes, innovate continuously, and maintain long-term success. Fostering a culture of learning enhances collaboration and communication within the organisation. When learning is valued and encouraged, employees are more likely to share insights and best practices, leading to collective growth and improvement. This collaborative environment not only enhances individual performance but also drives organisational excellence and innovation. Personal Growth and Fulfilment For executives, learning how to learn contributes significantly to personal growth and fulfilment. It enables them to pursue interests beyond their immediate professional responsibilities, contributing to a well-rounded and satisfying career. This personal growth translates into enhanced professional effectiveness and satisfaction, as executives who are continually learning are more engaged and motivated. Continuous learning fosters a sense of accomplishment and purpose, as executives expand their knowledge and skills. This ongoing development not only enhances their leadership capabilities but also enriches their personal lives. By investing in their own growth, executives can achieve a balanced and fulfilling career, characterised by both professional success and personal well-being. The Strategic Imperative of Learning How to Learn Learning how to learn is a vital competency for senior executives, enhancing their ability to lead effectively in a dynamic and complex business landscape. By fostering this skill, executives can improve decision-making, foster innovation, develop future leaders, and build resilient organisations. Ultimately, the commitment to continuous learning not only enhances personal growth and fulfilment but also drives organisational success and competitive advantage. In a world where change is constant, the ability to learn efficiently and effectively is the key to thriving as a leader. | TRANSEARCH International helps organisations mitigate the numerous challenges of fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscapes by identifying leaders who are adept at learning how to learn, fostering resilience, promoting a culture of learning, and supporting leadership development. ----- John O. Burdett is founder of Orxestra® Inc. He has extensive international experience as a senior executive. As a consultant he has worked in more than 40 countries for organisations that are household names. John has worked on organisation culture for some of the world's largest organisations. His ongoing partnership with TRANSEARCH International means that his thought leading intellectual property, in any one year, supports talent management in many hundreds of organisations around the world. Get in touch with John O. Burdett |  Happy Independence Day from Transearch Detroit! Click photo to learn more about the Declaration of Independence! | | You can find us at Transearchdetroit.com and connect with us on social media. | |
